Missing grate strap fix?

[charred]

I have a 22.5 bowl missing 1 grate strap. Any ideas other than drill and add 2 bolts?

[5280Jeff]

That’s a tough one. Maybe drill through the strap only and try and drop a quick spot weld in the hole. The possibility of damaging the ceramic coating on the outside of the kettle I imagine would be pretty high. I don’t see a lot of options here. Good luck!


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[Walchit]

Yeah welds go through the porcelain pretty quick. I had to use a grinder when I got the leg sockets welded on my first kettle. If the welder is good enough you would only have a couple small blemishes though instead of bolt heads sticking out.

You could always use bolts and go ahead and bolt the other straps on too, so that it looks uniform.

What kind of kettle is it? A cooker or a looker? Lol

[charred]

I went ahead and just drilled 2 holes and used button head screws. I didn't have the strap. I used my trusty unibit and duct tape. Came out ok. I measured the food grate location perfectly but was a bit high for the charcoal grate. I didn't factor in the bowl curvature. Guess I woulda effed up the lunar landing. :/

[RRRanger99]

You can also get some 1/2" or 3/4" aluminum flat bar from Lowe's or Home Depot, etc., cut and bend to fit, using the other existing straps for measurements.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-ft-x-0-5-in-Aluminum-Metal-Flat-Bar/3053647
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-ft-x-0-75-in-Aluminum-Metal-Flat-Bar/3054619

[charred]

You can also get some 1/2" or 3/4" aluminum flat bar from Lowe's or Home Depot, etc., cut and bend to fit, using the other existing straps for measurements.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-ft-x-0-5-in-Aluminum-Metal-Flat-Bar/3053647
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-ft-x-0-75-in-Aluminum-Metal-Flat-Bar/3054619

That was my initial thought, but my limited brain couldn't think of how to search for the right material. I sold the kettle for $25 and the buyer was fine with the stainless repair.